Journeying into Intentional Living

I stepped outside into what I knew was a stunning fall Friday. I couldn’t really see any of it. My four year old was melting down on the front step, her hands full of markers, paper, lip stick, a brush and a mirror – apparently essentials for any preschool age play date. “Why does she need all that stuff?” I thought as I balanced my 11 month old in her baby carrier on one shoulder and her diaper bag, a bag for snacks, and a bag of toys on the other. I fumbled with the keys, managing to lock the house amid overwhelmed preschooler yells.

 As we reached the car, I swung the baby carrier safely into the backseat. I turned to put overflowing bags of stuff into the front seat. Pain shot through my back and down I went. Bags, toys and all. “What just happened?” I thought. My instinct was to jump up and rush on, but the pain was too intense to move.

So I stopped. I paused. And sitting there stunned on the driveway, I took a deep breath. I surveyed the scene. And for the first time, really saw it. Stuff. Everywhere.

A stick horse emerging from a pile of toys on the floor of the car. Magazines and books spilled from the seat pouches. The driveway, now decorated with the bags that had weighed me down. My daughter’s overflowing hands and big brown surprised eyes.

“Weighed down.” I thought. Physically and mentally. And I’m modeling it to her. Something stirred within me, and I knew this had to change.

Laid up that weekend, resting my injured back, I had some needed time to reflect. I’d heard of the minimalism trend before and dabbled in it a bit during some decluttering surges, but it hadn’t really stuck. My buying habits and piles around the house attested to that. Was journeying further down the road of minimalism the answer? Would owning less lead to more space to do the little things well at home? Would a more peaceful environment lead to a more peaceful home?

I spent the weekend toying with the idea of owning less and kept my ears open for confirmation. Sunday night, I stumbled upon Luke chapter 12. And verses 15 and 21 spoke loudly. “For though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions…(be) rich in what matters to God.”

Was I rich in what matters? Quality time with my family, beauty, peace, joy. Or was I rushing to places, too focused on taking care of stuff to see the simple, the beautiful, the important gifts surrounding me? Too often, I was missing what mattered. Too often, I was on autopilot, defaulting to “hurry mode”. The idea of slowing and simplifying was a breath of fresh air. It was time to turn off autopilot and commit to this journey into more mindful living. For myself. For my family.

And so I’m diving in, blogging as I go. Check back for inspiration on becoming rich in what matters as I start my journey into more intentional living.